I was reading Mr. Fabiano's letter about education the other week and it got me to thinking about how daft some people be. It's a strange world indeed when people don't want to support their local schools. Being Catholic and all and educated only in the finest of Catholic tradition, I admit that my view is a bit one sided, but hell's bells and buckets of pitch why would a parent not be interested in supporting their kiddies school?
Back in the old days and days not so far gone, the parish school was the center of the whole community. Every man, woman and child saw the school and the church as the lifeblood of the community. I know that's a Catholic thing and all, but for the sake of all that's holy, I don't understand how parents can think of a school as a day care center where the kiddies are propped while they go off to work or worse.
We catholics take pride in our schools and trust the Sisters or Brothers and Parish Priest not just to teach them the three R's, but to confirm and reaffirm the family values that we instill in them at home. The same values which we ourselves learned from our parents and grandparents; values constantly brought to mind each and every time we meet with the community to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
I appreciate that many Catholics (for whatever reason) and non Catholic kiddies alike, are obliged to be educated in State run schools, but shouldn't that be all the more reason for parents to be interested in what goes on in those schools?
Catholics like everyone else, pay taxes to the government, and yet support their parochial schools. How is it then that those who don't pay school fees or support the parish, can be so stingy in dolling out public dosh to government schools?
Mr. Fabiano (wonderful Irish name that) was talking about budget meetings and such like which is just another way of saying committees. There's a saying which goes: "Those that do the talking at meetings never meet to work." And isn't that the truth? They're all blather just to justify their own existence. And getting paid for it no doubt.
What do these 'ne'er do well's' know or care about the needs of the young folk? They're far too busy being self important and skimming the cream from the top of the pail like that Raveche dandy from the Stevens Institute. St. Columban had it right. When one of the brethren falls by the wayside, you muster up all Christian charity and beat him back onto the path of righteousness. Not a few committee members should be loved so much.
The only thing anyone cares for today is money, but as an old Irish saying goes: A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold. And it is skill that our kiddies need. Not just the learning skills, but life skills and that can only be taught by those of faith who've lived a decent life.
Was it Swift or Shaw who said something about the rich folk not appreciating how difficult life is for those without? Well, reason they may have not to know or appreciate a poor man's troubles, so it's up to people like that Mr. Fabiano and you good protestant beggars out there to stand up and be counted. Let these silk suited five star hotel types know that you are not going to take their beatings any more. Ye schools need cold hard cash. The kiddies need proper training and teaching. They need good responsible teachers and they need proper exercising too.
The holy writ says some place that when ye hands find something to do, ye do it with all your strength. Don't be no wilting pansies about the thing. Let the bigwigs know you mean business. Let 'em know: 'We want cash not claptrap!'
Put your backs into the thing boyos. Be strong, be bold and for God's sake be careful!
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home...
John J. Walsh
John J. Walsh, a Catholic, is originally from Ireland; went to high school and university in Australia, and later moved to the U.S.A. He lives in the Midwest and is married to an American. He now has a lot of time on his hands and is taking the opportunity to see some of his musings in print. Fearing the hot blooded protestants and not wanting to reach heaven or hell faster than is God's plan, his personal email address and other particulars are not available for publication. You may however Email him at: johnjwalsh_magic @live.com
